Rotary press



4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

J. A. WILKINSON. PRINTING PRESS,

No. 25,069. Patented Aug. 9, 1859.

m: ynnms nzrzns cu PNQTO-LITHOU WASHINGTON. n. c,

4 SheetsSheet 2.

J. A. WILKINSON. PRINTING PRESS.

No. 25,069. Patented Aug. 9, 1859.

4 SheetsSheet 3.

J. A. WILKINSON.

PRINTING PRESS.

No. 25,069. Patented Aug. 9, 1859.

llilllllllill"Hlllllllllllll wh m s- 4 Sheets-Shet 4.

5. A. WILKINSON.

PRINTING PRESS.

Patented Aug. 9, 1859.

my mums PEYERS co, PHOTO-LITMU \NA HINGTON. u c.

'ceiving the types.

JEP'THA AVERY \VILKINSON, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

ROTARY PRESS.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 25,069, dated August 9, 1859.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JEPTHA AVERY VVIL- KiNsoN, of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented, made, and applied to use certain new and useful Improvements in Printing-Presses; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making part of this specification, wherein Figure 1, is a side view of the proof cylinder, and Fig. 2, is a plan of the same. Fig- 3, is a side view, and plan of the demi grab. Fig. at, is a side view and plan of the compositors shield. Fig. 5, is a plan of the trough for washing the types. Fig. 6, is a side view of the proof cylinder and table. F ig. '7, is a longitudinal section, and Fig. 8, is a side view of a portion of the type cylinder. Fig. 9, is a plan of the press complete. Fig. 10, is a side elevation of the same, and Fig. 11, is a vertical longitudinal section.

The first eight figures are in larger size to represent the parts more clearly, and similar marks of reference denote the same parts in all the figures.

The present invention relates to improvements that I have made on a printing press for which Letters Patent were granted to me on the fourth day of January 1853, and extended for seven years from the 23d day of September 1856. These improvements naturally divide themselves into the following points: First, the means for composing the types and taking proofs therefrom. Second, the construction of the cylinder re Third, the manner of leading the paper into and through the press. Fourth, the manner of mounting said cylinders and controlling the impres sions. Fifth, the t-ympans 0r impression sheets. Sixth, the arrangement and manner of applying the inking rollers and parts connected therewith.

After the sheets are printed they are to be cut 05 the continuous roll of paper by a suitable shear.

1st. My types having the notches and projections are set up in a composing stick substantially the same as that shown in my patent before referred to, and when the required amount of matter has been thus set up the demi grab shown in Fig. 3, is

made use of to transfer the types to a composing and proof cylinder B, Figs. 1 and 2, for taking a proof as hereafter detailed. My said demi grab is formed of a piece of metal 0, of a curve corresponding to the surface of the proof cylinder and types as composed, and 5, is a lip on said grab, and 6, is a sliding clamp formed with a thumb or grasping piece a and c is a similar piece on the grab; as the operator therefore takes the types in this grab they are firmly held in place and transferred to the composing cylinder B, or said demi grab may be used for handling the type under any other circumstances. c, is the compositors shield that is formed of a curved piece of metal with a handle so that the types can be pushed by the same properly into place on the cylinder, see Fig. 4.

The proof cylinder B, is mounted on a center shaft or gudgeon 1, from the base A, and the ink roller 0, is similarly mounted. The types are secured to the cylinder B, by a movable head a, and screw bolts, said types being formed with notches on one side taking projections on the sides of those adjoining, the end types of the lines taking notches and grooves in the heads of saicbproof cylinders, or in column rings placed thereon.

On the gudgeon 2, beneath the inking roller 0, is a plate a, with a handle and alimited motion is allowed by binding screw 4, in a curved slot in the bed A.

I), is a composition roller on a stud in the plate a, and l), isa roll of paper, and 3, is a weighted cord guiding the paper around the impression roller 5 also moving on a stud in the plate a.

The operation is as follows: Place ink on the roller 1), revolve the roller 0, and 7), until the ink is thoroughly worked and evenly spread, then turn the plate a, until the roller 6, comes in contact with the type, there hold it by the binding screw 4, and revolve the type cylinder B, and rollers C, I), in contact until the types are inked; then move the plate a the other way so that the roller Z2 and paper are in contact with the types, clamp the same by the screw 4:, and revolve the type cylinder and print a proof on the paper (1).)

The types may be corrected on the cylinder B, while standing in a vertical position but in order to facilitate correcting the types, with those who prefer that the types lie the whole cylinder held firmly while the upper clamping segments (Z, are released by the screws 7, so that the upper portions of the types are loosened and can be corrected while the lower ones are held firmly. By proceeding successively in this manner the whole column can be corrected.

WVhen the proofs and types are corrected the types are to be transferred to the main cylinder (D or D) by means of a cylindrical grab that sets over and takes the whole column of types lifts the same in suchamanner that they can be lowered onto one of the main cylinders or stacked up cylindrically to be applied to the type cylinders in the proper manner when required, the same as in my aforesaid patent.

52nd. The type cylinders are so fitted in the press, as hereafter described, that they can be taken out by a suitable block and fall for the purpose of changing the forms or washing the types. To perform this washing operation I make use of a box or trough, seen in Fig. 5, having open journals into which the type cylinder is laid and revolved by a belt slipped around its shaft. The trough is to be filled with an alkaline solution and I find practically that the revolution of the cylinder in such solution removes the ink without the least injury to the types. The cylinder can then be rinsed off by being revolved in a trough of clean water, thus the whole operation is performed without manual labor and without injury to the types by brushing as now usual.

I have shown in Figs. A, B, C, some improved forms of blocking. In Fig. A, the ring a is to pass continuously around the cylinder, and be provided with notches and projections as aforesaid, and a, are blocks set in between these rings having overhanging ends that set up against each other, and when turned or dressed off to the proper point form a continuous smooth surface to be engraved upon or otherwise made use of. The Fig. B, shows a column ring a, and part of a block a at the .head of a column; and Fig. 0, shows the manner in which pages of a book may be inverted upon the cylinder in order that the printed sheets may fold up properly; in this instance a", a, are the rings around the cylinder that are between the respective pages of types; (4 and a are intermedlate rings, segments or blocking pieces formed with grooves and projections or with two grooves or two projections upon opposite sides according as circumstances require, so that the types are perfectly secured in place, and

that regardless of the fact that the projections stand in reversed position from the pages being inverted on the form.

For convenience in taking out a portion of the matter while in the press, or after removed from the same, I provide clamping segments d, Figs. 7, and 8, acted on by screws 7, that pass through the permanent heads (Z, of the cylinder, whereby the desired amount of types can be removed when uppermost on the cylinder by loosening one or more of these segments cl, and sllding the types sidewise by inserting a thin iece of metal. This device is also applicab e to the removal of whole columns when they run parallel with the axis of the cylinders.

3rd. The printing press itself Figs. 9, 10, and 11, is mounted in the frame F, of suitable size and shape to receive the parts, and the roll of paper E, to be printed, is for convenience, mounted in a carriage E, on which it can be rolled up to place in the press. Said paper may be left suificiently damp for printing while being made, or may be dam pened and rolled up, or it may be wetted while passing from the roll to the press, if suflicient length be allowed for the paper to travel in reaching the impression or type cylinders.

G, is a fly wheel or pulley on the shaft 8, by which motive power is applied to the press. I prefer that the cylinder H, that surrounds the shaft 8, be fitted as a shear so as to cut ofl the paper when printed, because of the power required for this purpose; but said shear being the subject of a separate application need not be here described. From the shaft 8, the power is communicated through the gear wheels 6, and pinion e, to the wheel 6 on the shaft 9, of the inking cylinder I, thence the pinion e connects to wheel 6 on the shaft 10, of the type cylinder D, which gives the second impression on the paper as it passes between the types and one impression cylinder K, on a shaft 15, with a gear 6 to the wheel 6*.

6 is an intermediate gear wheel on a. shaft 11, to the wheel a, on the shaft 12, of the first impression cylinder K.

e, is a gear wheel on the shaft 13 of the first type cylinder D.

6 is a pinion to the wheel 6 on the shaft 1 1, of the ink cylinder I. The shaft 11, may be provided with fast and loose pulleys D and the power applied at this point instead of the shaft 8.

The cylinders H, I, I, D, D, K, and K, all being of the same circumference and having wheels 6, e 6", a e", e", and 6 of the same size and number of teeth revolve in perfect uniformity each making the same number of revolutions, and the teeth being properly marked when the parts are set correctly the press must work with a correct register on the impression and the paper be cut ofi at the proper place between the sheets.

The type cylinders D, D, are constructed and receive the types either in columns running around them or parallel with their axes, or composed into pages or receive stereotype plates engraving blocks or other articles now usually applied with flat forms of type in all instances the types are locked together longitudinally of the cylinders by notches and projections, and each cylinder is to be of a circumference corresponding with the length of sheet to be printed, and constructed as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

4th. The cylinder K, is provided with an apron or tympan sheet f, passing also around the cylinder K that is set in adjustable bearings 16, so that said tympan can be kept tight. The continuous sheet of paper travels from the roll E, through the press as shown by red lines passing in on the tympan sheet or apron f, thence beneath the first type cylinder D, and then over the second type cylinder D, and away by the shear cylinder H. If however the paper passes in a straight line between the different points it would buckle, twist, and run into folds, and the slightest irregularity continuing to increase the impressions become spoiled and the press obstructed. This arises mainly from the paper. being damp and easily diverted from its course. To keep the paper in a truly correct position I have found that arches or curved bridges inserted between the different parts give direction to the paper and cause the same always to draw through in a smooth and even manner. g is the first arch beneath the apron or tympan sheet g, is the arch between the two type cylinders and g is the arch between the last type cylinder and the shear H. I prefer that these arches be made of sheet zinc, or other metal and attached by cross bars or other convenient supports. The arches may be formed as shown in Fig. 12, with slightly diverging ribs or grooves so that the act of drawing the paper over the same, extends it widthwise, carrying out any wrinkles that may have arisen from the dampening or otherwise. The arches may all thus be grooved or only the first onesgor any arch of this character may be applied to straighten out the paper after being dampened or before it passes onto the apron f, or under any circumsances wherever available. It will be apparent that these arches will effectually prevent paper or similar materials buckling or wrinkling while passing from one point to another, and that these same arches will act without the di verging grooves or ribs, but with them they tend additionally to straighten out the paper by spreading it widthwise.

5th. F, is an upper frame hinged at 17,

to the main frame F, and carrying the impression cylinder K, in the boxes 19, which are adjusted by keys and set screws so that said cylinder and its tympan sheets f, shall press uniformly on the type cylinder D, said frame F, also carries the inking cylinder I, and ink rollers hereafter described, so that upon lifting this frame F, up by means of a suitable fall, the type cylinders D, and D, are entirely uncovered and can have the types partially altered while in their place or said cylinders can be entirely lifted out of their open journal boxes 18, by a tackle and crane or other convenient means, and the forms of type changed thereon or washed off.

In order to throw off the impression instantly in case of any obstructions I provide a cross shaft h, with eccentrics or cams h, and handles Jr, at each end of said shaft whereby it can be partially turned, so that said eccentrics will raise up bolts 20, under the front end of the frame F, and lift the same, which operation raises the ink rollers off the type cylinder D, and relieves the pressure from the cylinder K, thereby throwing off the second impression; and the first impression is thrown off simultaneously, for I lower the cylinder K, by lifting the levers if, as the bolts 20 are raised which permit the journals of said impression cylinder to descend. The reverse movement takes place upon lowering the frame F, when the bolts 20, press down the outer ends of the levers if, by the weight and leverage of the parts and raise the cylinder K, again up to its place. Set screws are provided at if, to prevent the bolts 20, and levers [1. giving too much pressure between the cylinders D, and K.

6th. The tympan sheet f, is an endless apron of any desired length passing over a roller K the object of this being to prevent any offset from the tympan onto the upper printed surface of the paper, because the distance that said tympan moves, allows any ink that may have adhered thereto from the .first impression, to set or partially dry, and if necessary sheets of paper can be attached to the tympan to receive such surplus ink, or the tympan be cleaned while in motion by a revolving brush and chalk or powder, or be conveyed away a sufficient distance to allow for washing in a trough and drying by heated rollers as it passes through between the same.

7th. The means for applying ink to each of the type cylinders D, and D, are substantially the same, and consist of the cylinders I, and I, aforesaid to each of which a worker 2' and vibrating roller 2', are applied to the latter of which I fit an endless screw and stationary button to give end motion to said rollers 2', to spread the ink evenly on said cylinders (I, I). The ink is supplied to the respective cylinders I and I, from the troughs Z, that are attached to the frame F, and adjusted by bolts and slots. In each of these troughs is a roller Z fitted in fixed journals, and Z, is a roller beneath geared to Z and revolving in the ink, 'as shown so that the ink is brought up on the roller Z, and a certain amount passed through between the rollers Z, and Z according to the space between the said rollers as regulated by the set screws at, shown in Figs. 13, and 14, which are a plan and end views of said ink trough and rollers. The ink is taken from the roller Z by means of the rollers Z and Z the latter of which I term the fly roller that is in contact with the cylinder (I or I,) and the former I term the mop roller. These rollers Z and Z are mounted in journals 00 m that are made with slots and attached by screws to the ink trough, and the rollers themselves are adjusted by screws applied to their journal boxes so that they do not press onto the roller Z but revolve by the contact of Z with the cylinder I, while the ink rollers Z, and Z are revolve by a motion applied to the latter by a bevel wheel and pinion 22, on shaft 23, at the other end of which is a pinion taking a worm on the shaft 11, for one of the ink troughs, and the shaft 9, for the other trough. The rollers Z, Z hence bring up a regulated supply of ink that is taken onto a surface working at the speed of the types, and the ink is distributed to and worked on the cylinders I and I, and thence passes to the composition rollers as next set forth.

The first type cylinder D, is inked by the composition rollers z", i, c", that are set in adjustable bearings 2' on the inside faces of the frame F, and said adjustable bearings each are fitted into a rib on said frame and attached by a screw as seen in Figs. 11 and 15, and each bearing is provided with a sliding journal box and set screw 2' so that each roller is adjusted radially to take a proper bearing on the type cylinder. The ink is carried from the cylinder I, to these composition rollers by the rollers 70, and 7c, 7c, 7;, that are set in bearings 7'1 that are attached by screws to the frame F, in such a manner that by loosening the said screws the boxes will turn and allow each roller (711) to settle down with a complete bearing on each side against the composition rollers (2) then by screwing the bearings Z0 firmly in place the rollers are allowed to bear entirely against each other but not with too much pressure. A strap 21, passing from one end of the ink cylinder I, beneath the roller 7%, and over the ends of the rollers 7/, back to the cylinder I, gives rotation to said rollers is, and inking roller 2", at a speed corresponding to the surface of the cylinder D.

The inking rollers 2", and is, that act to ing the type cylinder D, are the same as those for the cylinder D, last before described, the position and adjustment being such as to adapt them to work on the under side as represented. If, however these rollers-were set in the main frame great difficulty would exist in their removal and in cleaning them when necessary. To avoid these difliculties I provide side plates m, m, through which the shaft 9, of the ink cylinder I, passes, and said side plates carry the journals of the inking rollers aforesaid, and at the outer ends of these side plates m, a cross shaft m is fitted, having handles m at its ends, and pinions thereon taking the curved rack m, so that said pinions when rotated roll the said plates and rollers up into contact with the cylinder D, as shown or down, away therefrom, so as to have access to the rollers. m*, are counterbalance weights to the plates and rollers, having cords that pass over pulleys 24, and 25, is a cross shaft with handles on its ends and projections on its sides next the plates m, m, so that when the rollers are up to their place an end motion slides the said projections beneath the ends of the plates m, and retains them in the proper position.

Having thus described the consecutive parts of the press itself and shown the operation thereof, I remark that it will be apparent that the whole of the foregoing parts and the operations they perform, act in harmony to produce one perfect result, viz., an impression on the two sides of a continuous sheet of paper, in which the register is perfect, the inking is uniform and the parts move with a uniform, almost noiseless, ro tary motion, uninjured by the concussion of reciprocating parts, as in ordinary presses, and each type taking its proper bearing and making a. true impression on the paper, and the sheet is delivered in a form ready to be cut off and packed away by apparatus which form the subjects of separate applications.

hat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The curved demi grab a, with the sliding clamp 6, and lip 5, for the purposes and as specified.

' 2. I claim the curved compositors shield for the purposes and as specified.

I claim the arrangement of the proof cylinder 13, and rollers C, Z), for inking the type on the proof cylinder as described and shown.

4. I claim the plate a, and roller 6 for giving pressure in taking a proof from the types 011 the cylinder 13, as set forth.

5. I claim the horizontal gudgeon a and binding screw to receive the proof cylinder and facilitate the correcting of the types as set forth.

6. I claim the movable clamping segments d, at the heads of the type or proof cylinders to secure the types in place and also allow for the removal of portions thereof as specified.

7. I claim revolving the type cylinders in a trough containing alkaline or other suitable solution for washing the types as specified.

8. I claim the apron f, for leading the paper into the press, and on which said paper lies while receiving the first impression against the cylinder K, thereby said feeding apron becomes also the tympan sheet as set forth.

9. I claim a curved arch or bridge over which the paper or fibrous material passes to give direction thereto and prevent buckling or twisting as described and shown.

10. I claim corrugating or forming ribs on said curved bridge in diverging lines so as to spread the paper widthways as the same passes over the bridge as specified.

11. I claim the auxiliary frame F, hinged onto the main frame F, and carrying the upper inking apparatus by the elevating of which bot-h type cylinders are exposed to view or can be lifted out of their place for varying the composition or otherwise as set forth.

12. I claim the manner herein specified of throwing off both impressions by raising the auxiliary frame F and lowering the impression roller K, for the purposes and substantially as described and shown.

13. I claim in a rotary printin press an endless tympan sheet led off a suficient distance, and so fitted that the offset from the rollers (77,) and workers (72, 7c) in their adjustable bearings (2' 70 substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my signature this tenth day of June 1859.

J EPTHA A. IVILKINSON.

lVitnesses:

LEMUEL W. SERRELL, THOS. GEO. HAROLD. 

